Email Policy

General Practices often receive requests from patients, other clinicans and third parties to send health information via email.

Whilst email can be used to communicate healthcare information it is important to understand the risks and take steps to mitigate them before using email. Your communications of health information must be kept safe and secure. Unencrypted and unsecured email can create risks to the privacy and the security of personal and sensitive health information.

The risks of unsecured or unencrypted email include:

• Emails can be sent to the incorrect receipient
• Emails can be accessed on devices such as smart phones, tablets and laptops which ca be easily lost or stolen.
• Emails can be changed without the knowledge or consent of the orginal sender.

Harrington Park Medical Practice does not encourage communication with patients via email. Should you request scripts, referrals or appointments you will receive an automated response asking you to contact the medical centre so your request can be actioned safely and securely.